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The Kenyan government has unveiled a nationwide livestock vaccination program scheduled to start in January 2025. 

This initiative aims to protect 22 million cattle from foot-and-mouth disease and 50 million goats and sheep from Pest des Petits Ruminants (PPR) disease. 

However, farmers will need to cover the vaccination costs, sparking mixed reactions across the country.

Jonathan Mueke, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, shared that the program will cost an estimated KSh 3.95 billion. 

The government will initially fund the vaccines, allowing farmers to repay the amount after selling their livestock. 

“We will provide access to credit, and the repayment will be deducted once farmers sell their animals,” Mueke explained.

The program sets the cost of vaccinating cattle at KSh 100 per animal for the foot-and-mouth vaccine, while the PPR vaccine for goats and sheep will cost KSh 35 per animal. 

While the vaccination program offers a crucial solution for controlling diseases, some farmers have raised concerns, asking for more clarity about how the rollout will be conducted and which regions will be prioritized.

In response to public criticism, the government clarified that the program is voluntary. 

Earlier concerns arose when some citizens feared the vaccination would be mandatory. 

Mueke reassured farmers, emphasizing that the program is meant to help safeguard their livelihoods by preventing disease outbreaks.

With 85% of Kenya’s livestock owned by smallholder farmers, livestock remains a critical source of income for many families. 

However, some skeptics are hesitant, drawing parallels to the initial public resistance to COVID-19 vaccines. 

Mueke encouraged farmers to embrace this initiative, describing it as a proactive step to secure healthier and more productive livestock.

Despite the potential benefits, the program has faced opposition. 

Critics, including some leaders, have linked the vaccination project to global climate initiatives led by figures such as Bill Gates. 

Concerns have also been raised about whether small-scale farmers will be adequately informed and supported to access the vaccines.

As the rollout approaches, the government has urged farmers to view the program as a necessary investment in their livestock and livelihoods.